Barbed Wire and Burglary: Small Town Secrets

by Jo Grafford

A mechanic working as an undercover detective is two snaps from building his case…and losing the woman he loves.

Retired military policeman-turned-auto-mechanic A.J. Pike is on a mission to put a dirty deputy behind bars. It’s only a matter of time before he gathers enough evidence to prove the guy has been using his badge to extort hush money from a dangerous ring of thieves.

The only hitch in A.J.’s plan is that he’s dating the dirty cop’s sister. Not casually dating. It’s getting serious. The thought crosses his mind that she might’ve been deliberately nudged his way as a distraction, forcing him to choose. Love or justice?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

About the author

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.

Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.

Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNCOVERING A CRIMINAL

What an amazing addition to another intriguing story in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.

The story will have several newcomers to Heart Lake. A.J. Pike, retired military, is in search of justice. Then there is Deputy Aaron Cannon and his sister Aurora Cannon, whom A.J. is dating. It seems wherever Aaron Cannon is, there is always an uptick in burglaries, and A.J. thinks there is a connection. Then Decker Kingston of Lonestar Security wants to have a one-on-one with A.J. about working for them—but he doesn’t want a full-time job.

The story is full of mystery, suspense, life-and-death danger, and threats. As in other stories in the series, Ms. Grafford has spun a web that has the good, the bad, and the evil, and sometimes it is a challenge to determine who plays what role. There are secrets, lies, deception, omission of facts, and abuse of trust that are key issues that take place, and plenty of details to be uncovered. Eventually, A.J., Aaron, and Aurora must learn to trust one another, sharing about the Diamondback Corporation, working as a security consultant, an uncle who has stepped into the role as CEO, and an ex-girlfriend.

The relationship between A.J. and Aurora will have strained moments, a touch of uncertainty, and moments of truth that, rather than tearing them apart, allow them to work together with Aaron.

The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but more of a segue into the next book, Poultry and Perjury, involving an ugly court battle with a con artist, a kindergarten teacher winning back the chicken farm that’s been in her family for generations—and then to discover a handsome squatter has taken up residence at her home.

NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Pike completed twenty years with the military police and has relocated to Heart Lake. He is almost immediately contacted by Decker Kingston, a town councilmember who is associated with Lonestar Security. Lonestar is requesting assistance, when needed, from A.J. Aurora Cannon and her brother, Deputy Aaron Cannon are the owners of Jewelers Security Alliance after the suspected death of their parents at sea. Aurora is investigating security at various gem stores and has concerns about the recent uptick in burglaries. The burglaries may be attributed to someone tracking gems that were stolen, and hidden, by someone called the collector. The collector passed away before the gems could be recovered. A.J. is suspicious when he realizes that robberies have occurred in areas where Aaron had moved. Is he involved? The investigation continues as Aaron and Aurora wonder if their uncle, who stepped in to chair the company, could be involved. Their uncles’ assistant, who Aaron once dated, arrives in town. Why is she here and what does she want? When A.J. and Aurora realize that there is something more than friendship between them, she is threatened. Will A.J. be able to save her? Another exciting adventure in this romantic suspense series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ and Aurora met and started dating. The romance between AJ and Aurora was sweet and quick to develop. AJ is a retired military policeman and is now working as an undercover detective and a part-time mechanic. He is investigating the possibility that there is a dirty cop on the local police force. The big problem is that the dirty cop (Aaron) is Aurora's brother. AJ is concerned that Aurora might be involved in the illegal activity.

Aurora is a very talented perfumer and works for her family business. She and Aaron are the only family members remaining since their parents were killed two years earlier in a suspicious helicopter crash. Their uncle took over the job of running the business until Aaron was ready to step up. Aaron's ex still works for the company as an assistant.

I won't give away the solution but there is definitely a twist in the story's conclusion.

I've read several books by this author. She writes books that are clean and wholesome stories with wonderful characters. In this book, there is a mystery to solve, too, and a romantic ending.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better.
I also love Heart Lake.
A.J and aurora's romance is sweet amidst the danger and suspense.
A.J has followed his suspect to Heart Lake.He is a part time mechanic while he is investigating the case.He needs to gather evidence and put his suspect behind bars.
Problem is the Aurora the woman he is falling in love with is his target's sister.
Aurora has moved to Heart Lake and is staying with her brother Aaron,who is the newest deputy in Heart Lake.She s falling for A.J,but the secrets she is keeping from him make her feel guilty.She doesn't want to lose him.
As the secrets begin to unravel and everyone gets closer to solving the case,danger strikes.
There is lots of suspense,secrets,tears,humour,swoony cowboys,romance along the way to A .J and Aurora's happily ever after.
It is always great to catch up with the Heart Lake residents.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Jo Grafford and am voluntarily leavimg my review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora was surprised how much she loved being in Heart Lake. Ok it may have a lot to do with the handsome retired army police officer, now part time mechanic. But she not felt like this before, and especially since her parents sudden deaths. The only problem being she was lying to him. You can't build a relationship on lies. It also doesn't help that he doesn't seem to think highly of her brother. AJ was following leads for his case, and now he's in Heart Lake with a part time mechanic job to cover his real job as a P.I. Now he's been approached by Lonestar Security to assist them. This case was proving to be anything but simple. Especially as his main suspect is the brother of the woman he's interested in. Like always Jo has given us another superb romantic suspense cowboy story. Jo never let's us down and this is no exception. Can romance be calling. Or will more suspects arise. Sit back and enjoy this great addition to a brilliant series

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book for anyone who loves romance and mystery. The H is a respected detective, ex military police and is pursuing a man who he believes is a dirty policeman. The h is the sister of the policeman and the H has a crush on her. The local private detective agency in town wants the H to work for them but he only agrees to work part time. As the H investigates local robberies they appear to be bazaar in nature. Due to two attempts on the policeman’s life the h and her brother end up living with the H in his apartment. He learns that the policeman is not dirty but is being attacked for some unknown reasons. The three of them work together and put the pieces of the puzzle together to eventually solve the mystery of the burglaries. In the end the h has to be rescued by the H before she is murdered. The H and h get their HEA and the brother may get his HEA also. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. It got my attention and kept me reading to the end. Enjoy!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted tale of corruption and greed

A.J. and Aurora are pulled into a sticky web of deception, danger and a crime spree that has followed Aurora and Aaron across the country a little too closely. Aurora and A.J. have both been selective with the truth and whilst they haven't outright lied, they haven't been fully honest and open either, they have good reasons and are bound by law but this easily could have meant the end of their relationship. Fortunately they are both adult enough to listen to the other, to understand the position their jobs put them in and to accept that honesty is the only way forward. I love that they don't take it as a personal insult or let it rip them apart, it is lovely to see them act like adults and not create a drama about it!
I hope that at some point we get Aaron and Maggie's book - they have to get a book....such a sweet couple!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED A.J. and Aurora's story!! A.J. meets Aurora as part of his investigation into her brother, Aaron. A.J. thinks Aaron is a dirty cop, and he's out to put him behind bars. At first, dating Aurora wasn't in the cards, but now, things are really getting serious, and A.J. is wondering if that was part of Aaron's plans. When things take a turn, and Aaron and A.J. are thrown into working together, they find sometimes the evidence doesn't take them in the direction they thought it would. When trouble comes for Aurora, will A.J. and Aaron be able to get to her in time?? Love how A.J.'s faith helps to strengthen the new faith in God that Aurora has found, and then Aaron even starts to find his own way to God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists and turns in this story had me reading it in one day! LOVED both A.J. and Aurora's characters! Secrets, secrets, secrets! They were dating and things progressed quickly between them, surprising them both, but they also couldn't tell each other certain things because of their work. This made things tricky! Oh, then there's Aurora's brother, Aaron! A.J. thinks he's a dirty cop and Aurora defends him constantly! What is the truth? There are a rash of burglaries about Heart Lake and none of them seem to make sense but A.J. and Aaron are sent to work them together by their respective employers - coincidence? I think not! As danger ramps up, will A.J. Aurora and Aaron figure out who the mastermind is behind all these burglaries and other crimes? Will A.J. be able to discover what Aaron's real character is?
Another great story in this series!

[Faith R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Like the Whole Series

I have read other books by Jo Grafford, but this series is amongst my favorites in this genre. The books are funny, the characters interesting, and the adventure is fun! Along the way there are some feels, too.

I liked how the characters worked out their big problems without drama. Sometimes I read Christian romance lit and think the characters have the emotional and mental capacity of middle schoolers, but this book moves through the issues without teenage histrionics (except for the bad guy, of course!).

My favorite of her series is Garrison’s Law followed by this one, Heart Lake, and Texas Hotline. I can’t resist books with dogs! I can’t remember the name of the series with jewelry heists (referred to in this book) and indoor rodeo but that one is another favorite. Lol.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. The following opinion is entirely my own. It seems that the series is the same old, same old storyline. Two people, each with their own secrets or drama, fall fast in love. AJ is retired military, works at an autobody shop, and does security work on the side. Aurora and her brother have their own secrets about who they actually work for. AJ thinks Aaron is behind the jewel heists. There are some church scenes and prayers thrown in. The highly improbable way in which AJ rescues Aurora from a moving truck had me shaking my head. Then, of course, there is the next to last chapter thrown in to give you an idea of the next book. I think this will be my last book in the series. At my age, I have too many other books in by to be read stack that I’ll probably never get to. If you like predictable storylines, go for it.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clean, faith-based, contemporary, suspenseful romance from Jo Grafford. It's a real page-turner with a satisfying happy-ever-after ending.

A.J. Pike is retired military and is working part time in Heart Lake as a mechanic. He also works part time as a private investigator.

A.J. is head-over-heels in love with Aurora Cannon. I loved the line "more tangled up than a lasso in a dust storm".

The problem with his feelings for Aurora is that A.J. is in the middle of a case that will put Aurora's brother, Aaron, behind bars.

If you're wondering how that relationship turns out, and also if A.J. gets his man, read Barbed Wire and Burglary for yourself... you won't be sorry.

I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbed Wire And Burglary is a suspense story that keeps changing faster than a stop light.  From A.J. trying to get Aaron arrested for all the jewelry burglaries to becoming a team that works together.  I love that A.J. who was a widower found his love in Aurora and they could work together so well.  A story so full of surprises that you don’t know who is the jewelry thief from one chapter to the next.  I just wish it would have explained how Elise could get death certificates on Aaron and Aurora’s parents unless she was the one that killed them. The visit to New York by Aaron, Aurora, and A.J. to find Uncle Cary was a thrilling chapter.  And it was a truly genius idea of how to get rid of him.  A story that is a great small town suspense that is both clean and exciting!

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

AJ is a retired military policeman. He works part time as a mechanic, but picks up investigative jobs because he was such a decorated soldier. He has been dating Aurora for a month and is in love with her, but he's 10 years older than her. Plus, he is investigating her brother as being a dirty cop. Aurora and her brother, Aaron, work for the family company, DiamondBack. They work with jewelry stores to make sure their security systems are top notch. But, Aurora's cover story is being a perfumer and Aaron is a police officer. When they all move to Heart Lake, the jewelry heists start up. As they investigate the heists and work together, AJ realizes that Aaron is innocent. When someone tries to kill Aaron twice, things heat up. So good!

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventh in the Small Town Secrets series, I'm still loving every single one of these books! Jo Grafford has written another page-turner with relatable characters and small-town living. A.J. and Aurora begin dating, but things might take a turn in the wrong direction when she learns he is investigating her brother, a local deputy, for jewelry theft. How can he investigate and solve the crime when his heart is involved? Can he accept the outcome if she breaks up with him, especially since he believes she's 'the one'? Come along on this crime-solving adventure and see if you can solve the mystery before all is revealed!

I received an ARC from the author but my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Pike was a fun, interesting character in this book.  He'd been widowed for seventeen years and had just started dating Aurora.  I liked that both A.J. and Aurora had secrets they had not told each other.  It added so much to the suspense.  She also had a brother that was not fond of Aurora dating A.J. at all.
While I was reading this book I could clearly picture it as a Hallmark Mystery movie.  It had fun characters suspicious of each other and a great villain.  It was another Jo Grafford book that caught me in its grips and would not let me go!  I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. is a private investigator who has come to Heart Lake to find justice – and to stay close to his new girlfriend. Aurora also happens to be the sister of A.J.’s chief suspect. But Aurora also has a secret. A string of burglaries seems to be occurring wherever the brother and sister go. Is it a coincidence? Can the three work together to find out who the culprit is?

This is a wonderful Christian romance with a good mystery and a plot full of twists. There is also a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-written and the storyline is most enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbed Wire and Burglary is another installment in an exceptional series. For a small town Heart Lake sees more than its share of evil. Both Aurora and A.J. are keeping secrets as each of them pursues the jewel thieves. A.J. is especially torn as Aurora is the sister of his main suspect. With all the drama, suspense and tenseness I have come to expect from Ms. Grafford's well plotted books, this one kept me enthralled from page one! Things are never what they seem to be. For once I started reading early enough that I was not up until 5am to finish this gripping read!

[Gail Midgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this intriguing highly emotional story! Jo’s writing never ceases to amaze me! Aurora and AJ have a complicated connection with both having secret agendas. Their secret lives are finally disclosed after Aurora’s brother was nearly killed. You’ll stay on your toes watching them traverse unexpected obstacles to reach their well deserved HEA. Get ready to lose sleep because you won’t be able to put it down! I can’t wait for Aaron and Maggie’s story.
Another 5 STAR ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WINNER 🥇

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story out of Heart Lake, Texas.
A series of robberies brings A.J. Pike, an ex-military police turn private investigator to town following a dirty cop. But things are not always what they seem.
This story is full of twist and turns and secrets from several different people. When those secrets start to come out we find things are not as clear and straight forward as it seems.
Loved everything about this book. The characters where well written and the story keeps your attention all the way through.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Cowboy Brand of Justice by Jo Grafford
Lots of twists in this story..
A.J. is a private security operator working undercover for the Jewelry Security group trying to find out who is stealing jewels across the country.
Aurora is also working on the jewelry thefts but from a different angle.
They are in a relationship and hate lying to each other but are forced to because of the contracts they signed.
A.J. thinks her brother, Aaron, is involved with the thefts and hates what it will do to Aurora.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this romantic suspense story involving Aurora and A.J. in Heart Lake. A.J. recently moved to Heart Lake to be close to Aurora and her brother, Aaron, who A.J. as a private investigator has been investigating about jewel thefts. Aaron is a deputy for the police department. Things get complicated when A.J. starts dating Aurora. The characters are interesting and the burglary mystery doesn't get solved until the end which makes the story more interesting. I highly recommend this high action romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[D'anah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been really looking forward to this story. AJ just peaked my interest. I love his stance on things and how,he truly excellent at what he does. Truly outstanding. Add Aurora and Bandit to the mix and it makes for a fun, yet demanding challenge to be worked through. Lots of red herrings. Fast paced always something happening. Keeps you wondering who and what and why.
Check it out. I bet you enjoy it!

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book certainly had some twists and turns, but it was an excellent story with love, suspense, and a few surprises! A.J. and Aurora were so much in love with each other, but there were secrets that could blow everything apart. The author did a great job, the book flowed well, and the conclusion was quite satisfying. And, as always, there was a little something at the end that made me excited for the next book in the series!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is filled with action that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are entertaining, and the witty banter adds to the enjoyment. Each twist and turn keeps the reader guessing, creating a thrilling, fast-paced plot rich in both romance and danger. I particularly enjoyed the budding infatuation between Aaron and Maggie and hope to see that develop further in another book. Overall, it’s an excellent read!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seatbelts because this story is going to be a bumpy read. That said, many complications which will eventually come together (not unlike the roller coaster ride). Many hats were worn, many roles, in this who done it and a romance for all ages. I am looking forward to more within the series. Bravo!

I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.J. Pike is in love with Aurora, who is the sister of the man he’s investigating as a “dirty cop”! He’s hiding that secret from Aurora, she’s hiding her own secrets from A.J., and the supposed “dirty cop” has his secrets! How is this all going to work out? Only Jo Grafford, the author of this series, is capable of untwisting the pretzel that is Barbed Wire and Butglary. I loved Book 7 of this series. I am on the arc team and I chose to write this review and I chose 5 stars!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh goodness, you just can’t miss this one. A.J. and Aurora are both hiding things from each other. What a great tale of undercover and confusion. The emotions run high and so does the danger. I had no real suspicions of who was behind everything. Great job of cooperation among Aaron, Aurora and A.J. Couldn’t stop reading.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbed Wire and Burglary

This was an exciting and fast paced story. A. J. Pike is on assignment as a private investigator looking into a dirty cop. The dirty cop happens to be the brother of his girlfriend, Aurora. His serious girlfriend. Aurora is also leading a double life that A. J. isn’t aware of; but nothing is what it seems to be in this story. What happens when they learn each other’s secrets?

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, this author has delivered another feel good romantic suspense story that kept me turning pages. The storyline twists and turns multiple times before the end. The characters are fun (though not my favorite in the series) and the action never ends. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.